Via Della Grada: Gateway to Bologna's Past

Via Della Grada is more than just a street; it's a journey into Bologna's past. Its name, derived from the 'grada' or grate, speaks to its historical role as a controlled entry point to the city. This grate, still visible today, was strategically placed to regulate the flow of people and goods, especially at night, preventing the illegal sale of merchandise. Beneath the street flows the Reno canal, a vital waterway that once connected Bologna to the Adriatic Sea. This canal system was crucial for trade and transportation, allowing goods to be efficiently moved in and out of the city. Until the 18th century, Via Della Grada was considered part of Via Riva Reno. However, it eventually gained its own identity, thanks to both the presence of the grate and the construction of the Church of Santa Maria e San Valentino della Grada. This church, still standing at the end of the street, is renowned for housing the remains of Saint Valentine. Another notable landmark is the Opificio della Grada, a historic hydraulic works built in 1681. Originally a tannery, it later became a source of electric power, even powering the first X-ray rooms at the Rizzoli Hospital.